I’m not particularly keen on Halloween. It’s really just a bit too spooky for me, and while I do like the idea of dressing up, costume planning mildly stresses me out. (What’s the Halloween version of bah-humbug?)
That said, I do think that these costumes for children are definitely awesome.
unicorn headband (just add a white dress!)
 I also like this bandleader costume, this weightlifter costume, and this detective costume.
Last week I featured five beds, and while I think this is the major component of a bedroom, it’s not the only thing that makes a bedroom special. Here’s a round-up of ten other items that I have – and really enjoy having – in my serene white space.
1. bedside lamps (via Ralph Lauren Home)
2. crisp white bed linens (via Zara)
3. collection of white containers and platters to corral jewelry (via CB2)
4. carafe (mostly for show, if I’m being honest…I don’t actually use mine, but it does look neat) (via CB2)
5. vintage dressers and vanity (via 1stDibs)
6. a selection of comfortable pillows (via Bed Bath & Beyond)
7. mirrors (via Crate & Barrel)
8. collection of vintage silver trays to collect bits and bobs (via 1stDibs)
9. flowers (as often as possible) (via The Crafted Life)
10. a down duvet (via Ikea)
(See what else I love about my bedroom right here.)
What are your bedroom must-haves?
Have kids? Want to make their meals slightly more spooky? Here you go:
spider utensil set, $3.99 (on sale), Pottery Barn
I adore these Chiara Ferragni Molly heels. I don’t know where I’d ever wear them, but I definitely think they’re fun and fabulous!
Molly heels, €459.00, Chiara Ferragni
Miguel Herranz’s Mini Mikado Suspension Light has my full attention. It’s wild, isn’t it?
Mini Mikado suspension light in white (other colours available), $1572 (on sale)
Oh man, am I ever sad that the cold weather has arrived. While I do love back-to-school season, the colder fall weather is not really for me. I’m definitely a spring/summer gal, so when the temperatures fall (currently hovering around 10C), and I’m forced to wear layers, I get annoyed. While I know many fashion bloggers are enjoying the arrival of cozy textured sweaters and leather knee boots, I am trying to extend the wear of my Havaianas and jean jacket.
So it probably comes as little surprise that I don’t really decorate for fall. While I do love Hermes orange (who doesn’t?), the traditional fall colours do not really have a place in my home. (Gosh, I do sound cranky, don’t I? It doesn’t help that I’m also currently sick as a result of the non-stop action that I experience every September!).
Trying to be positive about this seasonal change, here are five white things that I would have in my home and wardrobe this fall (especially if money grew on fall trees)…
simple white pumpkin centrepiece, via 12th and White
pinecone accents – not just for Christmas, via The Art of Doing Stuff
wool and cashmere-blend cardigan, Alexander McQueen
blaze a trail furry owl purse, Kate Spade
My Rockstud leather tote, Valentino
What about you? How do you feel about the fall? What will you be bringing into your home this season?
This is the most absolutely perfect print for coffee lovers.
exceptionally great espresso by Steffen Heidemann
Oh my goodness – when I saw this on A Cup of Jo last week, I laughed out loud.
The Puffy Shirt episode on Seinfeld was a memorable one, wasn’t it?
I can’t remember where I first came across Los Angeles’s Garde, but its online site instantly drew me in. The carefully curated product lines are sleek and unique, and the website features them beautifully. Garde’s collection includes textiles, jewelry, bath items, art, lighting, furniture, and more.
Minza black stripe throw, $275
Madeline Weinrib Rafa rug, $4600
Max Lamb crockery tall vase, $150
O glass carafe, Laurence Brabant, $150
silver narrow cuff, Holly Westhoff, $285
Michael Verheyden potte vase, $1295
Alpaca knit wall hanging, Caitlin Emeritz, $325
I’ve been spending loads of time staring at black and white photographs online lately. Maybe I’m secretly itching to switch up some of the art around my home. Or maybe I just love browsing art collections. Either way, I’m happy to share some of my favourites with you.
The Glass House, $60+, Raquel Cayre & Nicole Cohen
Average Chandeliers, Elliott Anderson, (starting bid $300)
Staredown, Amy Carroll via Minted
Anemone, Monica Janes via Minted
Simone & Nina, William Klein, 1st Dibs
Case Study House #22, Julius Shulman, 1st Dibs
If you are a fan of clean design, you likely have a tray or two around your home to corral small items such as oil and vinegar, makeup, or trinkets by the bed. A tray instantly adds order to a sideboard, counter, or coffee table, and I’m certainly a fan.
This white tray from Zara Home caught my eye today.
worked tray, $17.90, Zara Home
It’s amazing how some people’s style is so instantly recognizable. Karl Lagerfeld, for example, is so distinguishable because of his white ponytail-tied hair, dark sunglasses, high-collared shirts, gloves, and random chain accessories.
I laughed quite a bit while I was researching items to include in today’s Karl-centred post. Could you imagine your face as the object of a bag, for example? Have a look…
Karl Essence Rare Scented Candle, $85, Luisa Via Roma
Karl is my Father t-shirt, $58, Eleven Paris
Lagerbones tank by Brian Lichtenberg, $35, The Outnet
TC Karl crossbody bag, $220, Monnier Freres
Karl Lagerfeld unisex pop rubber strap watch, $74.97 (on sale), Nordstrom Rack
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I really like the geometric design on this small plate from CB2.
flake white party plate, $5.95
I love all the personalization options that are out there in the marketplace. From bags to shoes to home decor items, there’s really no limit to what can be personalized with embroidered and printed initials and names. Here are five items that caught my attention this week from personalization expert Mark & Graham.
Bamboo Elisabetta Slouch handbag, $425 (made in Italy)
Italian hemstitched grosgrain duvet & sham, $80-$300 (on sale) (made in Italy)
Turkish hydro cotton bathroom, $149 (made in Turkey)
Piazza leather key fob, $39 (made in Italy)
leather cufflink and ring box, $49
Have a wonderful (long) weekend!
When I was young, I had a pet fish named Hercules. He was the easiest pet. So, when I saw this fish bowl, I thought of Hercules…
underwater landscape fish bowl, $97
And then I thought that I could dedicate a post to all things fish. So that’s what I’m doing.
Unique Fishy by Oscar & Emma, Minted
Minnows fabric by Emma Jean Mueller, Minted
Archipelago fish pitcher, $78, Anthropologie
cosy candle goldfish, £82, Rory Dobner
fish platter, $159, Arthur Court
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss, $10.43, Chapters Indigo
3-part fish dish, $12.97, Crate & Barrel (on sale)
fish one-piece, $9.99, Gap
It’s September! Oh my goodness! How’d that come around so quickly? Summer is my favourite season, so I’m definitely not ready for it to leave.
It’s also back to school season which means that stationery is on my mind (heck, it’s frequently on my mind). Here’s a cute notepad from Rifle Paper Co. that includes a bit of tough lovin’ encouragement.
Get it Done notepad, $8, Rifle Paper Co.
It could come in handy for those tough days of studying!
While my friend Shannon and I were in Florida last month, we decided to take a day trip to Orlando. We avoided all amusement parks and opted to try some of the recommendations on Design*Sponge’s 24 hours in Orlando guide written by Jessica Bennett.
My TomTom directed every step of the way, and we were very thankful that we had it! We punched in the various addresses, and off we went. Freedom!
Here are five of the stops we made:
One: Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Our first stop was the Vineland outlet mall on the southern end of Orlando. It was on our way to the centre of the city, so we thought we might as well stop in to see what it had to offer. Well, it offered us quite a bit. The mall has high-end designer outlets like Fendi and Burberry as well as more mainstream outlets like JCrew, Banana Republic, and the Gap. We were surprised to see a Lululemon outlet at this mall, and we picked up some goodies at Barneys NY and Kate Spade.
Two: Prato
After a couple several hours at Vineland, we needed some food. When we learned that we had missed the opening hours of The Strand, we drove straight to Prato in the Winter Park district. We sort of missed the opening hours there, too, but luckily the restaurant was still serving a limited menu, so we were in luck. We were hungry! We ordered a couple of cocktails (to celebrate a successful shopping excursion, of course!) and pizzas. I went for the Fiorentina and Shannon ordered the Widowmaker, and we were both very happy with our meals.
Besides the food, Prato is a feast for the designer’s eyes. It is beautifully designed, and its front black-framed windows are gorgeous.
Three: Hannibal Square
I quickly fell in love with the Winter Park district, and I was surprised to see such a quaint and historic neighbourhood in Orlando. Why does everyone talk about Mickey when there’s Winter Park? Beautiful trees, cobble stone roads, and plenty of sweet stores and restaurants to explore, this is an area worth visiting!
From Prato, we lazily walked around, following as much of the guide as we could. The guide led us to Hannibal Square which included a huge Jenga-style game under this (apparently slanted) structure.
Four: Rifle Paper Co.
We knew Rifle Paper Co. was in Winter Park, but we almost missed it! Thankfully, we turned a corner, and there it was. It was our lucky day because Rifle was having a sidewalk sale. Ah-mazing! We were thrilled! Each of us stocked up on cards and artwork. I scooped up a few Garance Doré prints as well as this super bright and happy print for my work office.I was so impressed to learn that Rifle Paper Co. items are made in the USA and assembled right in Winter Park. Just so awesome.
As if the sidewalk sale wasn’t enough, Nick from Mama’s Sauce was at Rifle screen-printing his heart out! Meeting Nick was so fun and unexpected. In addition to all of his design and printing work, Nick is an avid traveller, and he gave us great advice about where to go, what to do, and what to see in various parts of Florida. He spoke so highly of Winter Park, Orlando, and Florida in general, and I just love it when people appreciate where they live so much! The fact that Nick time out of his busy day to chat with us completely impressed me (Thanks, Nick!).
And beyond the sale and screen-printing excitement, on our way out the door with our hands full of gorgeous letterpress art, we met the very friendly Stephen (The Hyppo and Cousteau Waffle & Milkshake Bar) and Ryan (MC Pressure). They served us up some delicious popsicles which was a very welcome treat considering the fact that we (a) didn’t have dessert at Prato, and (b) it was ridiculously hot! I had the blueberry-lavender-lemonade popsicle, and it was so absolutely delicious. A month later, and I’m still thinking about how great it tasted!
Five: P is for Pie Bake Shop
Our last stop before we left Orlando was P if for Pie Bake Shop. We opted to get mini pies to go (banana pie and chocolate peanut butter pie), and enjoyed them back home in Madeira Beach (yum!).
As you may have gathered, we had a great day trip in Orlando. I would definitely like to go back and spend some more time around the city (especially Winter Park since it was so pretty). I’m glad the Design*Sponge 24-hours in Orlando guide worked out, and I’m extra glad that my TomTom directed us for the day.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I’d like to thank Meaghan B. and TomTom again for providing me with the GO 500. It is proving to be very useful and dependable!
My cousin is getting married this weekend, and I’m so excited to celebrate with her and her soon-to-be husband. The ceremony and party are going to be just beautiful, and I’m looking forward to spending time with the ol’ family. We are going to get our dancing on, aren’t we, team?
As expected, Kate Spade’s wedding collection has some really happy and fun pieces to help the bride (and happy couple) get ready for the big day.
happily ever after flip flops, $68
ampersand clutch, $368
wedding belles love owls, $398
wedding belles stirling clutch, $548
Mrs. studs, $48
cake topper, $50
Sweet items, right? What do you think?
I think a sturdy canvas bag like this one from H&M Home would be a great container for slippers or shoes (housed by the door), laundry supplies, toys, magazines, and blankets. It’s different from a traditional basket, but it serves a functional purpose in a modern way.
storage basket, $12.99, H&M Home
Elte, one of Toronto’s finest furniture stores, is currently having a summer sale. I bought my Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams couch from Elte, and if I lived in Toronto, I’m sure I would be popping in quite often. The prices at Elte are typically high, but so is the quality of the pieces. If you’re in the market for something fabulous, you might want to check out the sale. Here are my five pics from the sale (although I’d snap up every Kartell chair if I could!).
Kartell Lizz Side Chair, $206 (originally $406; also available in black)
gold mid glaze bud vase, $17.97 (originally $29.95)
Ojai sconce, $215 (originally $365)
Moroccan wedding pouf, $238 (originally $595)
ceramic lattice stool, $120 (originally $195)
If you’re in Toronto and you go to the sale, let me know!
One of my favourite features in magazines like Style at Home is the high / low spread. Essentially, the magazine styles up two very similar versions of a room and leaves it to the reader to guess which version is expensive / affordable (before revealing the true prices on a later page). Anyway. I love this feature and I get sucked into the guessing game every. single. time.
If you love this as much as I do, go ahead and read on. I have prepared a similar high / low challenge for you.
Beds
1a.
1b.
Lights 1
2a.
2b.
Dressers
3a.
3b.
Benches
4a. 
4b.
Lights 2
5a. 
5b.
So? How do you think you did? Check the prices (and see the sources) below.
Answers:
1. a. Parallel bed in walnut and leather, $5800; b. Piper wood panel bed, $1149
2. a. glass ball mini pendant, $69.98; b. Soneca frosted pendant light, $229
3. a. matching Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin white lacquer chest of drawers, $3800; b. Malm six-drawer dresser, $199
4. a. Jennifer Taylor white Mongolian fur bench, $550; b. Jonathan Adler Mongolian lamb bench, $1595
5. a. 1-light pendant fixture, $23.90; b. Greene pendant large, $595
Here is a modern set of greeting cards at an affordable price from Rifle Paper Co.
set of cards, $16, Rifle Paper Co.
Anthropologie (online and in store) always ropes me in. The store always has an eclectic and interesting mix of items for your closet and home. Here are five things that recently caught my attention.
Sila wrap dress, $295
Crescendo link necklace, $78
lacquered regency three-drawer dresser, $1498
radiant alabaster floor lamp, $698
Peacock Alley Overture sheet set, $88-188
Have a great weekend, everyone!
While I was in Florida last month, I took a bit of time in between beach walks to zhush up the dining room in my parents’ beach-front condo. Minted, one of my long-time fave destinations for art, stationary, and (now!) fabric, lent a generous hand to this project, so I’m giving the company and its designers a major shout-out here!
Here’s a before of the space:
It’s a mess, isn’t it? Beach towels are everywhere, the lamp and dried flower arrangement serve no purpose, and the buffet is serving as a sunscreen station.
I knew I wanted to get rid of the lamp and flower arrangement tout de suite and hang a large piece of art above the buffet. I was looking for something light, bright, modern, and beachy. After reviewing Minted’s website and lookbook, I landed on Anchor in Ink by Two if By Sea Studios, and I knew it would be just perfect!
Anchor in Ink (available in black, navy, fuchsia, and aqua)
While I would typically be drawn to the black version, for this condo, I knew that navy would be the most suitable choice (how cool is it that it comes in different colours?).
In addition to the art, I added some fabric (Sailboat Splash by Lindsay Megahed) to my cart. At the moment, I used the fabric as a table cloth, but my mom will soon be sewing it up into pillows for the living room. Since the living and dining room are open to one another, the future sailboat pillows will work nicely with the anchor print.
   
This is the first time I ordered fabric from Minted, and I have to say that I’m impressed with its weight. It’s heavier than I thought it would be. It will definitely be perfect for pillows.
Many thanks to Becky L., Molly B., and Minted for supporting this project.
I read quite a bit (this wasn’t always the case), but my reading lists vary depending on the time of year. During the academic year, I read a lot of academic texts and journals. During my down-time, I read loads of magazines (fashion, design, food, celebrity, anything really!), some non-fiction books (related to living a happy life, promoting one’s strengths, leadership, business, etc.), and random fiction. During the holidays (e.g., spending three weeks in Florida), I lean toward easy breezy beach reads.
Here’s a look at some of the books I’ve recently read:
The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
Review: I like that I now know what all the fuss about Marie Kondo is about. The book is a quick read and it makes you think about all the stuff you own and why you own it. That said, some of the strategies, suggestions, and techniques are just too extreme or completely unrealistic for my own life. I took this book out of the library, so it didn’t clutter up my home.
Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job by Aliza Licht
Review: Aliza Licht’s Leave Your Mark is an easy read with some good suggestions about how to navigate the workplace. I probably should have read something like this when I was 20.
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
Review: Let me start by admitting that I have liked Nick Hornby for a really long time, so I am biased. Funny Girl rates high on my list because I really liked the characters and storyline. I am now wondering if a movie is in the works. I hope so!
Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella
Review: I have read every Sophie Kinsella (and Madeleine Wickham) book. I have a soft spot for Becky Bloomwood, and she makes me laugh. That said, I didn’t love Shopaholic to the Stars. Dare I say it – I might actually be tired of Becky’s ways (same story, different location?). I didn’t like how this book ended (and neither did a couple of other people who have spoken to me about it).
The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Review: The Vacationers looked like it was going to be the best beach read. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it at all. I read it from beginning to end (just because I had committed to it), but I was sort of just bored.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Review: Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train was amazing. I could not put this book down. It hooked me in right from the first page. If you like suspense/thriller/action, you’d like this book.
Do you have any book recommendations? I’d love to know about them!
Round mirrors are so versatile. They’re great above bathroom vanities, bedroom dressers, and foyer consoles. Perhaps these photos will inspire you to use one in your own home.
via Me and Alice
Kensington pivot round mirror, $249-$299, Pottery Barn
Shagreen round wall mirror, $995, Williams-Sonoma
reflection round mirror, $149.99, Urban Barn
Songe mirror, $49.99, Ikea
Ninna white round wall mirror, $199, Crate & Barrel
Fitness. I don’t know about you, but every time I hear the word fitness, this song comes to mind (and the lyrics…I be up in the gym just working on my fitness). These days, I get my fitness routine in through my walks to/from work, to/from the grocery store, to/from Uptown Waterloo…well, you get the idea…I walk quite a bit here in Waterloo!
I have run quite a bit in the past, but in recent years, I’ve gotten out of the running circuit (for no particular reason besides the usual excuse of lack of time).
And I’ve never been a fan of the gym.
Now that I’m in Florida for a couple of weeks, I’m finding it really easy to work on my fitness. The beach just calls my name, and going for walks along the shore is really a major highlight of my time here (and year, actually). The beach goes on forever, and as long as my legs will take me places, I’ll keep on walking!
This summer, TomTom kindly sent over its RunnerCardio watch for me to test out, and the timing could not have been more perfect.
Here it is in white:
I’ve been wearing the watch for a few weeks now to track my walks. It’s a sleek little thing that is very comfortable to wear, and it tracks my distance, progress, calories burned, pace, and heart beat rate. Yes, even heart beat! I love that feature.
unboxing my TomTom Runner Cardio (not yet charged)
walking and tracking
paused for a jump
blooper jump
I’m still learning about all its features. It seems like every day I learn something new about this little sleek watch. If you have any advice, please let me know!
I wrote about Draper James a few months ago, and I’m still keen on the collection. These coasters caught my attention because they’re produced in Raleigh, North Carolina.
only count the happy hours coasters, $20, Draper James
What type of coffee do you drink? Are you more into the pour over than the drip? How does espresso fit into your life?
glass French press, $49.99
Hario V60 pour over coffee maker, $49.99
Sowden softbrew coffee maker, $59.99
Nespresso VertuoLine, $199.95
Wilfa Precision coffee maker, $329.99
Hope you enjoy a great weekend brew!
I think this is a neat retro eyeglass case. 
Thomaspaul eyeglass case, $20, Izola
That’s all. Have a great Tuesday, everyone!
Chanel + 1stDibs = a great way to spend a few hours* online
1. Chanel Camellia diamond and gold ring, $5100, 1st Dibs
2. Chanel vintage shoulder bag with tassel, $1966, 1st Dibs
3. Chanel 90s white caviar duffle bag, $1700, 1st Dibs
4. Chanel white fluffy coat, $5500, 1st Dibs
5. Chanel Garden flap bag, $4450, 1st Dibs
6. Chanel black and white quilted tweed 2.55 fringe trim flap bag, $2200, 1st Dibs
7. Chanel barcode black and white lego boy brick bag, $16,500, 1st Dibs
I would take any of the above. I’m not picky.
*I spent so many hours browsing 1stDibs recently. Oh my goodness! Does this happen to anyone else (please say yes!).
A personalized bath mat seems to be a really easy and inexpensive way to spruce up a bathroom. This one from Lands’ End is under $20.
bath mat, $18.11, Lands’ End
I’m thinking about interesting pieces for the patio today. Care to join me in my day dreaming?
This egg hub would be an awesome poolside addition:
Nu-OVO designed by Paolo Maldotti, photo via Redesign Revolution
This bench with canopy would be great on my deck:
Mimi cuddle chair canopy by Hauser
This fun folding director’s chair is super for small spaces:
director’s chair, West Elm
This chaise (with added cushion) would be great for naps:
Vladimir Kagan “Capricorn” chaise lounge, 1st Dibs
And this peacock chair is perfect for when you really want to feel fancy:
white peacock chair, via Lea and Lani
So, tell me, what’s your perch of choice in the summertime?
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Okay. So in recent years, I shared my love of the Fiat 500. I still think the Fiat 500 is a spunky little car, and if I had a ton of money, I’d buy it as a second summer car. I have learned, however, that I prefer larger SUVs/cars that can fit a lot of stuff in them. You know, for those times you’re in Cambridge and you need to transport a random table home (I’ll share that story one day!).
I currently drive a Toyota Rav 4, and I’d recommend it to just about everyone. Even though the tires are giving me issues at the moment, I hate spending money to keep it maintained, and I have absolutely no interest in learning about cars (it’s rare that I don’t want to learn about something, trust me), my Toyota Rav 4 is awesome and has never let me down.
But…one day…I’m going to need a new car. My latest car obsession? The Audi Q7.
Isn’t it nice? Do you know anyone who has one? Have you driven it? Do tell! I don’t know anything about this vehicle, but I’m pretty sure I match it. My parents had an Audi forever, so I feel completely connected to the company.
Side note: In all my years of driving, I’ve never had to drive in such wet conditions as shown in the photo above (why do car photos have to be extreme?), but if I did, it’s good to know that the Audi can handle the weather. 
It’s a good looking car, and I’d love to take one for a test drive (while I dream about the possibility of owning one).
Time to save those nickels…
I’m completely un-sporty. I’ve dabbled in things here and there, but I have never really excelled at anything sports-related. Maybe swimming. I love swimming, and I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor for a long time. In recent years, I took up running, and persisted through a couple of half-marathons, but then I stopped. I can’t remember why I stopped – it probably had something to do with winter. I took tennis lessons a couple of years ago, and I think I’d like it if I continued on with it. But then I moved, and I never looked into lessons here in Waterloo. A couple of weekends ago, I took for my first ever golf lesson. That was fun and harder than I thought it would be.
This rambling of my history with sports brings me to today’s post – summer sports. I’ve rounded up a collection of sports items. I’ll admit that I’m more into them for their design than for their actual purpose. (Hey, blogger honesty over here.)
Bocce set, $149.95, Crate & Barrel
Portable ping pong set, $48, Shop Terrain
Flag football, $59.97, Crate & Barrel
Scoop ball set, $59.95, Crate & Barrel
Â
croquet set, $149.95, Crate & Barrel
What sport is keeping you active these days? Will you try anything new this summer?
Have a wonderful weekend!
I almost missed this month’s linkup announcement over at The Well. I must already be in summer mode! This month, Meg and Victoria posed this question for us:
WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER ESSENTIALS?
After last month’s tough question, I was happy to see this one. This one is easy for me to answer because I absolutely loooooove the summer! I’m pretty sure that it’s because my birthday is in July, there are plenty of warm sunny days, and I have had summer months off from school and work for pretty much all of my life. Summer. Nothing beats it. Wish we had a few more months of it!
Anyhoo, so, on to my summer essentials (apparently I have quite a few). Here. We. Go.
1. Open windows. I love having my windows open and letting the breeze flow through my home.
2. Passport. My passport is always ready to go, but the summer is the most convenient season for me to take a vacation, so I always do. Lucky me!
via Mark & Graham
3. Bathing suit. I do not have an extensive bathing suit collection, but I put every piece to very good use all summer long. I typically wear navy or black suits, but I’m also open to colour.
Gucci bikini, via Neiman Marcus
4. Havaianas. I basically live in them during the summer months. I know I should probably up my footwear game, but these flip flops are perfect for grocery store runs, lounging around the pool in Florida, and hitting up garage sales. I currently have brown, black, and orange in rotation, but I think I should invest in a red or fuchsia pair. Maybe even a white pair. Beyond that, by the time June rolls around, I’m just so tired of wearing socks and closed toe shoes (and boots!). My feet need air!
via Havaianas
5. Sangria. Red. White. It doesn’t matter. I just love it. I think this is because when I was in my early 20s, I traveled around Spain for a few weeks with my pen pal (Yes, I have a pen pal. Hi Vanessa!), and I was introduced to this delicious summer bevvie.
via Love Grows Wild
6. Hammock. I won a hammock last summer over at Lindsay’s blog, and I just can’t get enough of it. It’s the ultimate backyard perch.
7. Ice cream. I love eating ice cream in the summer. When we’re in Florida, my friend Shannon and I stock the freezer with loads of flavours, and slowly quickly eat our way through everything. It’s glorious. The Magnum mini is my current favourite, but I definitely don’t limit myself to just this type.
via Magnum
8. Panama hat. I picked up my Panama hat in New Orleans a few years ago, and I just love it. It’s way better than my winter toque!
here’s a selfie from New Orleans
9. White shirts, tanks, and tees. I can never have too many of these in my wardrobe! I add new versions to my collection each summer (well, every season, really…I do wear a lot of white).
the Gap remains one of my favourite go-to tee shot
10. Camera. I got a new camera recently, but I have yet to really figure out how it works. I am really looking forward to playing around with it this summer. If anyone has a good DSLR how-to book recommendation, please let me know!
11. Books. Stacks and stacks of reading material for at home and on vacation. I’ve been going to the library every week all winter long, and I’m planning on continuing this habit over the next few months/forever. The Waterloo Public Library is fantastic.
12. Mozzarella. Any cheese. Any time. Right? Mozzarella is on the top of my cheese buying list because it will go so well with the tomatoes and basil that are growing in my garden. Hello caprese salad, I’ve missed you!
via Local Lemons
13. Bicycle. It’s so handy to take my bike around town, and I hope to do it as often as I can this summer. Nothing fancy. Just leisurely rides around town to get my errands done.
via A Beach Cottage
I guess that’s about it for now in terms of summer essentials. What about you? What’s on the top of your essential list?
As per the linkup tradition, I would encourage you to read through the essential items of my fellow bloggers:
26 and Not Counting
Alyssa J Freitas
soak and simmer
The Not Quite Adult
Carrie Loves
The Yuppie Files
PRBlonde
Knowing Kelly
Something Good
Feathers and Stripes
Cassandra Monroe
Otherworldly
Sunny Side Up
Life Modifier
Leigh Clair
Rae Loves
Rose Colored Water
Rossetto
Fashion to a T
PreppyPanache
Emilie Lima Burke
Ember & March
Business Betties
with love from ellie
Mint Julep Girl
Love Peace and shimmer
Rae Everyday
Little Wild Heart
star-crossed smile
Luv in the Bubble
Perfect Enough For Us
LIFE BY BRI
Sorcha Eleanor
Brikasia
Dreams and Colour Schemes
Elana Lyn
Sequins & Strawberries
Pattern Me Pretty
Beauty and the Pitch
White Oak Creative
The Toppy Top
White Cabana
In The Grey
Taryn Williford
Cooper + Thames
Mrs. on the Move
Magnificent Temptations
Meg Biram
Victoria McGinley
Read my previous linkups here: January, February, April, May. Thanks to Meg and Victoria for bringing us all together again this month.
My dad is currently nearing the end of a vacation in Italy. He was there to reunite with his highschool friends whom he has not seen or spoken to in 50 years. 50! Last year, one of his highschool friends found him on Facebook. Facebook! They chatted online, then over email, then on Skype. So cool. When his friends told him that the highschool friends were having a reunion this year, Dad booked his flight. Can you imagine – a reconnection after 50 years? I think it’s absolutely amazing.
While he was away, my dad texted me almost daily photos of La Dolce Vita. He succeeded in making me jealous, that’s for sure. He’s such a little blogger-in-training! He sent photos of food, countryside, and even a Thonet-ish bentwood chair. He also sent specific photos for White Cabana. Gosh, I feel so proud! He actually reads my blog…and listens to me when I talk about fashion, design, and art!
Here’s a bit of Italy through Dad’s iPad/iPhone, if you’d like to see.
The Richard Ginori brand is well-known in Italy, and dad must have been listening to conversations between my mom and me about the brand. In preparing this post, I learned that the company was going bankrupt in 2013, and it was bought by Gucci. The Richard Ginori collection on display in a window in Firenze (Florence) are very White Cabana worthy.
Dad texted this photo from Gubbio (in Umbria), and at first, I wondered why there were two holes in the back of the chair.
But then he sent this one, and I understood. Â 
He also sent along a few fashion photos (he listens to me, he really listens!). It seems to me that white is the colour of Italian fashion this summer. The photos are from Firenze (Florence) and Sansepolcro (in Tuscany). Bravo!
A few more photos might trickle in. From what I gather, dad’s been having a grand ol’ time (I’ll spare you the daily gelato and pasta photos).
I recently noticed this pretty bottle of sparkling wine at the LCBO. It’s lovely – inside and out!
Bottega white gold brut sparkling, $17.95, LCBO
Hi all, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I’m busy at a conference in Ottawa this week, so I’ll have to take a few days off from the blog.
small talk placemat, $10, Kate Spade
I’ve also got some exciting posts that are currently in draft form that I’m eager to finalize. News from Minted and more reviews of the Canadian real estate market will be coming up in the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime, have a browse over at Kate Spade. The current collection is summery, bright, and fun.
Here’s something sleek for your backyard:
bottle birdhouse, $17.95, CB2
On the Sunday of the long weekend, I had friends over for a BBQ. After a few dish casualties, I realized that melamine dishware and serving ware exists for a reason!
Here’s a round-up of some outdoor pieces that I’m considering for my summer patio:
melamine dinnerware, swirl acrylic glasses, pendant, melamine serving bowl, stacking acrylic wine glass, melamine tray, ground stake light, acrylic bowl, chair
Reese Witherspoon’s latest venture is Draper James – an online marketplace featuring classic southern style. Browsing the site makes me want to move south, sit on a rocking chair, and sip on a mint julep. It’s a shop full of very pretty items for your closet and your home.
Here are my top picks:
For the home
sterling silver magnolia bowl, $400 (USA)
horseshoe objet, $98
southern sayings cocktail napkin set, $85
custom mint julep, $85
For the wardrobe:
canvas powder room pouch, $65 (import)
eyelet love circle dress, $285 (import)
kiawah cover up, $200 (import)
I was curious to see what items were actually made in the south (or in the USA), and I didn’t find too many. I feel as if production was in the USA, this would really be an American brand. Don’t you?
This pouch is a perfect and affordable accessory for summer.
Maya pouch, $12, Chapters Indigo
My sister recently sent over some photos of the progress she has made in her kids’ room. The Land of Nod helped us personalize this bedroom for my 3 nephews and niece who currently share it down in North Carolina.
First…a couple photos of the cuties… 
Now, the room:
The youngest kiddo is in a crib, the second youngest is in a toddler bed, and the older two share a bunk bed. On the window wall, you’ll see the crib and the toddler bed. 
The Bon Voyage luggage storage cases are filled with the kids’ goodies (but I’ll admit that they rarely stay neatly piled on the chair as in the photos). My sister hung the half dot rainbow garland across this wall to add some fun colour. It also ties in very well with the two pieces of art that my sister painted. 
(so much colour for White Cabana!)
Each bed has a letter pillow to personalize them for the kids. In the above photos, you’ll also notice the flea market bench (the kids are also sitting on it in the photos above). We love this kid-sized bench, and the munchkins actually use it to play, read, put on socks, etc. Here I was thinking that it was going to be a just-for-show-bench! Nope – they actually use it!
My sister created (most of) the artwork in the bedroom, including the scattered colourful squares and the kids’ silhouettes. The art hung on the clipboards? Those are the kids’ masterpieces! It is their room after all!
Thanks to The Land of Nod for sponsoring this post.
Joie de vivre is the French expression meaning “enjoyment of life”. It’s commonly used in English conversation to mean the joy of anything and everything. I had a weekend that was full of joie de vivre; I met a friend in Toronto for a weekend full of good meals, laughter, and great views of the (very) busy city. I’ll be sharing a few highlights on the blog this week. For now, here are some joie de vivre graphics to get the week started off right!
poster, Letters on Love
tee, Pixel Paper Hearts
print, Plumed
Happy Monday, everyone!
By now, you may know that I am a collector of Alessi. This Italian company works with designers around the world to produce collections that are classic, useful, whimsical, and statement pieces.
The Juicy Salif citrus squeezer designed by Philippe Starck is still one of my most favourite Alessi pieces. It’s such an unusual design and noone else has attempted to recreate anything quite like it. The trays and bowls are functional and friendly, and I have a few pieces hanging around on my sideboard (you can see one tray in this photo). I dare you to come to my home and resist touching my mini Anna G. corkscrew. It’s so cute! I remember buying each piece of Alessi that I own, which makes each purchase quite special.
So what’s going on with Alessi these days? Well, when I saw the newest collection by Marcel Wanders called Dressed, I was pretty excited.
Dressed sugar bowl, $121
Dressed butter dish, $99
Dressed egg cup, $66
Dressed table set, $121
Dressed spoon with soft boiled egg opener, $44
Dressed biscuit box, $198 (there’s a bell on the lid!)
These are just some of the pieces in the Dressed collection that I think would pair well with my existing pieces. I mean, that biscuit box with bell, how great is that?
If you live in Toronto or you read House & Home magazine, chances are you already know about Angus and Company – a beautifully curated shop for housewares, owned and operated by designer Michael Angus. 
When I was putzing around Elora a couple of weekends ago, I was completely surprised to stumble upon Angus & Company in its new home in Elora. How did I miss the news of its move?
The store is so well-styled, and I could easily take it all, transport it to my home, and be very happy. I was able to chat with Mike for quite some time, and he seems to be very happy about the new location of his store. I mean, it backs on to the water and faces the town square, so it seems pretty ideal to me!
this hutch is a beautiful shade of blue and it is filled with the shiniest pieces of silver
Angus & Company carries a mix of new and vintage home wares, furniture, and art. This bright white store has so many pretty vignettes, and it easily draws you in. And Mike’s styling is enviable.
If you end up sitting on the couch and flipping through a book while you’re there, I’ll understand. Even though the store is certainly filled with some very luxurious blankets, antique consoles, oil paintings, and scented candles, it is casual, easy, and inviting. I just love the mix.
Thanks, Mike, for taking the time out of your day to chat with me! I wish you all the best in your new home!
These solar powered lamps are great items for under $20. Easy updates for your summer patio (or mine!).
Solvinden LED floor lamp, $19.99
Solvinden LED lights, $4.99 for 2
I love the look of this espresso maker. I wonder how good the coffee is.
